Reasons to Get Dentures
As people get older and the teeth begin to weaken or the gum line is no longer able to support teeth, dentures are a common solution. Although today's dentures look like natural teeth, the dentures used before the development of modern dentistry were uncomfortable and not very durable. However, the reasons to get dentures remain relatively the same: improving your look and jaw functioning.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
People have fashioned dentures since the 700s B.C., claims dental product producer Orawave. Early dentures used ivory and animal bones as substitute teeth. Teeth from deceased bodies were also used, and the wealthier classes used gold and silver dentures. Dentures made from porcelain became widely marketed during the early 1800s as they were affordable and less prone to rotting than wood or teeth from the dead.
-
Cosmetic
-
People often choose to get dentures because of the aesthetic appearance of their teeth, reports the American Dental Association. Missing or rotting teeth may cause a person to avoid smiling or simply feel embarrassed about the poor condition of his mouth. Missing teeth can even cause premature aging as facial muscles loosen without support from the jaw.
Functional
-
Although improved cosmetic appearance does provide an added benefit, dentures usually function to improve oral activity like eating. People with missing teeth often have trouble chewing, reports the ADA. Missing teeth can even impact a person's ability to speak clearly. Dentures provide a comfortable and natural-looking way to fill in missing teeth or replace an entire set.
Financial Reasons
-
Dentures are not just an easy way to improve the look and feel of a mouth, they are often a wise financial decision, reports the Angola Dental Center. A mouth that needs extensive work may cost an unreasonable amount to repair and restore. Simply pulling the rest of the teeth may be a much cheaper option if the person does not mind removing her natural teeth.
Misconceptions
-
If you decide to get dentures you still need to take good care of your mouth, even though you may not have any "real" teeth, reports University of Iowa Health Care. Gum can still harbor the bacteria that causes bad breath, especially if you still have some natural teeth. Dentures do not last forever, reports dental product provider Colgate. The gum line changes shape over time and denture plastic needs to be remolded.
-
